What Would Jane Austen Do?

Chapter Five

As Shermont entered his suite of rooms, relief warred with excitement. Finally, he’d found a clue.

“I fear you’ve ruined your coat, milord,” Carl the valet said in the same tone as if he were announcing a beloved pet had passed. But that was how he always sounded.

“Where is that folio of maps?” Shermont asked as he slipped out of the garment. He walked to the desk and searched through a pile of books and papers.

Carl extended the coat to arm’s length. “I had not realized croquet was so … pugilistic.”

“I chased my ball into the woods,” Shermont said absently as he opened drawers and pawed through the contents.

“Dirt. Mud. I’ll never get these grass stains out.”

“I’m sure I brought a detailed map of the local area.” Shermont turned to face the shorter man. He crossed his arms. “Have you been straightening my work again?”

“If I were allowed to keep your papers organized, you would be able to find what you’re looking for.” Carl held up the ruined coat with two fingers poking through rips in the fabric.

“Thornbushes.”

Carl shook his head and made tutting, clucking noises like an old crone eyeing her broken rocking chair.

“Forget the damn coat. Help me find that map.”

The valet took one last affectionate look at the coat and then tossed it over his shoulder. He walked to the desk and withdrew the map from a stack of papers.

“Carl, you’re a magician.”

“Yes, milord.”

Shermont sat at the desk and spread out the map. He tried to ignore his valet’s fussing about, moving objects that didn’t need straightening. Finally, he turned and asked, “Is there something you wanted to say?”

“Nothing in particular,” Carl said with a shrug.

“Come on. Out with whatever is bothering you.”

“It’s that female.”

Shermont didn’t need to ask which female he was talking about. Carl’s consistent doom and gloom attitude could get a bit annoying at times, but he’d proven perceptive in their activities for the crown.

“Something about her doesn’t ring true.” Once started, Carl didn’t pull any punches. “I’m concerned your attraction to her will distract you from your mission—”

“Our mission.”

“And may blind you to the chance she could be involved.”

Despite the fact he’d already learned Eleanor was dangerous to his equilibrium, he denied the possibility. “Nothing I can’t handle.”

“You will by necessity be much in her company. There is the ball and a picnic tomorrow.”

“You worry too much.”

Carl heaved a sigh. “It is my nature, my job, my curse, and my reason for being.”

“And it has saved our lives a time or two. Just try to keep it to a minimum until there is really something to worry about.”

“Yes, milord.”

“Now, have a look at this.” Shermont smoothed out the heavy paper and pointed. “This is where I entered the wood. About here I found a path … but it’s not marked on the map.”

“Probably just an animal trail. Deer in those woods, I hear. And wolves, if gossip is to be believed.”

“I found a heel print and other signs of human usage. The trail widened at an ancient oak tree. I followed it to a point just this side of that bald, flat-topped hill where the path joined the road to town. I think the French agent is using the tree as a drop point for messages. A courier takes the information to Napoleon and brings back the payment. By necessity, that person would have to move about and cross the Channel without being noticed, probably, a sailor or fisherman. Therefore he couldn’t frequent the house without causing comment. Using the large bole in the trunk of the tree as a drop point leaves everyone else none the wiser.”

“Or it could be a lover’s trysting place.”

Shermont shook his head. “I think we’re onto something.”

“I will notify our agent in town to watch the road and pick up anyone leaving the woods.”

“No. The courier is small potatoes. We can pick him up anytime. Our quarry is the man who leaves messages in the tree.”

“Or the woman.”

Which, of course, brought Eleanor to mind. Shermont rubbed the scar on his forehead.

“Another headache? I’ll prepare one of my herbal remedies for you,” Carl said.

Shermont nodded his thanks while he stared at the map. What route would someone from the house take to remain out of sight? Even at night the light coming from the many windows would illuminate large sections of lawn.

Carl served the tea.

“Thank you. I want to explore the area after dark. Please arrange for a tray to be brought up for dinner. Make whatever excuse you think appropriate. And let Lord Digby know not to expect me at the card table before midnight.”

After the croquet game broke up, the rest of the party drifted into the house talking about the plans for the picnic on the following day. In the grand entrance hall, two maids and a footman waited to take hats, bonnets, parasols, and shawls.

“Won’t you join us in the parlor?” Aunt Patience asked Teddy.

“As much as I would enjoy being the only thorn among so many lovely roses, estate business tears me away. If you will excuse me?” he asked with a bow.

Patience nodded, and he left. “Well, my friends. Shall I have Cook serve us tea now, or would you prefer later?“ she asked the other chaperones.

“I think we will take tea in our room,” Mrs. Holcum said for herself and her daughter. “A bit of rest is always called for after exercise.”

“Excellent idea,” Mrs. Matthews agreed. “The sun gave me a smidgen of a headache. A lie-down before dressing for dinner would be just the remedy.” She turned toward the stairs. “Come along girls.”

Fiona and Hazel followed with no enthusiasm. “Naps are for babies,” one muttered, only to be hushed by her mother.

Aunt Patience and Mrs. Holcum ascended the stairway chatting, and Beatrix trailed meekly behind.

“This is a perfect time for us to get reacquainted,” Mina said, linking her arm through Eleanor’s.

Deirdre took her free arm and they followed the others upstairs. “Yes, we want to hear everything. Tell us all about life in the Colonies. Have you seen any wild Indians?”

“Well …” Eleanor didn’t want to lie more than necessary. “I saw the Atlanta Braves … battle the Cincinnati Reds once.” The only pro baseball game she’d ever attended.

“What about Colonial men?” Mina asked. “Do they all have big bushy beards and wear bearskin clothes?”

“Don’t be silly. Americans dress like everyone else.”

Deirdre opened the door to their suite of rooms. “I had wondered if your wardrobe would be up to snuff, but at least the dress you’re wearing is reasonably up to date.” She plopped down on the green and gold settee and put her feet on the gold-tasseled hassock. “Waists are moving lower every year.”

“I’ve never seen a design like that,” Mina said, taking the place next to her sister.

“Do you like it?” Eleanor asked. She twirled in a circle, proud of her handiwork. “I designed it myself. The crisscross bodice and side pleats hide hooks, so I can dress without assistance.”

Both girls stared at her as if she’d spoken in tongues.

“Why would you want to dress yourself?” Deirdre asked.

“You made your own clothes?” Mina exclaimed. “Are there no dressmakers in the Colonies?”

“I’m sure there are. I just enjoy sewing. Don’t you?”

“Well, we embroider handkerchiefs and the like. And we help Aunt Patience with the mending, and she sews Teddy’s linens.”

“We make shirts and baby clothes for charity. Every gentlewoman does needlework. Idle hands and all that.” Mina tipped her head to the side. “Where do you get patterns?”

“I look in fashion magazines for ideas and then make my own.”

Mina jumped up and headed for Eleanor’s room. “I want to see the rest of your wardrobe.”

Deirdre and Eleanor followed. They spent the next hour happily trying on one another’s clothes, matching accessories, and sharing fashion tips.

“Are you wearing this to the ball? I have a lovely string of amber beads that would go perfectly with this gold-washed silk,” Mina said.

Eleanor touched her talisman. “I designed the dress specifically to wear with my favorite necklace. The trim echoes the filigree on the sides of the cross.”

The sisters admired the amber cross. “I think I’ve seen something similar,” Deirdre said, frowning. “But I can’t remember where.”

Mina looked closely at the embroidered hem. “Look at this. Have you ever seen stitches so even?” She held out the dress to show her sister.

“Ah …” Eleanor didn’t know when the first sewing machine had been invented, but she was sure the kind with cams to embroider designs was very modern. “I had help. Singer did most of the actual work.” Time to divert their attention. She grabbed the leather case that held her Regency jewelry, flipped it open, and pulled out a necklace. “These dark blue glass beads would complement the dress you’re wearing,” she said to Deirdre.

“You’re right. I hadn’t thought to wear dark blue with this pale yellow muslin. You have a good eye for color.”

Mina arched her neck to see what else was in the box. Hiding a grin, Eleanor set it out on the table and invited the girls to look at her jewelry. She admitted that most of the stones were worthless imitations.

“All our jewels are paste, too,” Mina said as she held up a peacock-shaped brooch.

“Mina!” Deirdre said in a low warning tone.

“Well, they are.”

“Teddy told us never to discuss our jewels.”

“She’s family.” Mina turned to face Eleanor. “Come. I’ll show you mine, even if Deirdre wants to be secretive with hers.” As she led the way into the other bedroom, she continued, “Teddy had replicas made of all the jewelry we inherited from mother so we wouldn’t have to worry about having it stolen. He keeps the real jewels locked up somewhere safe.”

Mina used a small key to unlock the wide top drawer of a massive dresser. Inside was an amazing collection of nearly every gem and type of jewelry imaginable, so many pieces that the velvet lining was hardly visible. “Of course, most of these we won’t wear until we go to London and are presented at court. Can you see me decked out in these to play croquet?” She held up a fabulous necklace of diamonds linked together by star sapphires. The pendent on the end was as large as a quarter. A matching bracelet, ring, and tiara completed the set.

“This parure is my favorite,” Mina said, displaying a comparable set made with large square-cut emeralds. “Family legend says Queen Elizabeth gave them to our ancestor, the first Lord Digby, for unspecified services.” Mina wiggled her eyebrows and giggled.

“I hope all this is insured,” Eleanor said.

Mina shrugged. “Teddy handles those matters.”

“You really should take an interest in your business affairs.”

“I don’t understand why. We don’t know anything about investments. Teddy does a fine job managing our funds, and when we marry our husbands will control everything.”

“You could have control of your own money built into the marriage contract. Then, if a husband turned to drink and gambling, he wouldn’t leave you destitute.”

“Oh, poor Eleanor. Is that what happened to you? Is that why you’re so poor that you have to make your own clothes?”

“Absolutely not. I … I’m not poor. I just think a woman should have control of her own destiny, that’s all.”

Mina and Deirdre looked at each other. “Bluestocking,” they said together.

“If that’s what you call an independent woman, I’ll wear the sobriquet proudly.”

“Well, don’t embroider it on your bodice,” Deirdre said. “It won’t secure you any dances at the ball.”

“We shall keep your secret,” Mina promised.

“Dancing partners are the least of my worries.” Eleanor would have to turn down any offers because she didn’t know the steps. She still had to make it to that point and keep Shermont away from the sisters.

“Well, our Teddy is sure to ask you to dance,” Deirdre said with a satisfied smile.

“He was very attentive to you while playing croquet,” Mina said.

Perhaps too attentive. “Please do nothing to promote an alliance with your brother. I don’t …” Would they even believe she didn’t find him attractive? “I’m not ready for a new relationship yet.”

“You’re out of mourning.”

“It’s not as simple as that. Please understand, and bear with me.”

“Perhaps we should give you a few weeks to adjust to being here,” Mina suggested.

“I think that might be sufficient,” Eleanor said with a sigh of relief. Now if she could only convince Teddy of the same. That burden added to her task of watching the sisters, as well as dealing with her unexpected attraction to Shermont, made the coming evening loom ahead like a dentist appointment for a root canal.

A knock sounded on the outer door. “Girls?” Aunt Patience trilled from the sitting room. “Where are you?”

Mina grabbed the tiara from her head, swept all the jewelry into the top drawer, then closed and locked it before Patience entered, making Eleanor wonder about the relationship between the girl and her aunt.

“There you are, my dears.” The older woman plopped into the chair by the window and fanned herself. “I know you are the official hostess this evening, Deirdre, but I truly had to act quickly when I heard the terrible news.”

“What’s wrong?” Deirdre asked.

“What isn’t? First, Mrs. Matthews arrives a day earlier than expected with both daughters instead of just the eldest. That makes nine females for dinner. Now, one of Teddy’s military friends can’t come until tomorrow—some silly excuse about being on duty. I mean, what could he possibly be guarding against in the middle of the English countryside? Marauding cows? Pillaging pigs? Thank goodness Miss Austen sent word she and Miss Jane are not coming today.”

“I did not get that note,” Deirdre said through tight lips.

“You were not here yesterday,” Patience explained. “As acting hostess I felt it necessary to open the note to be informed. For Lord Digby’s sake.”

“But they are coming?” Eleanor could not help asking.

“Yes, yes,” Aunt Patience said. “They will arrive late tomorrow afternoon with their brother, Mr. Edward Knight. And I’ve already sent a note to the vicar saying we need him and the rector to fill out the table tonight.”

Deirdre stiffened. “You seem to have coped with everything … in my absence. Need I remind you I am now here?”

“Then you can handle the latest problem. Lord Shermont has asked for a tray in his room.”

“I hope he’s not ill,” Deirdre said.

“We should offer to nurse him,” Mina suggested hopefully.

Aunt Patience shot her a quelling look. “Not necessary. His valet mentioned a headache as the reason. Rude man. He has absolutely no consideration for the inconvenience he’s causing me … I mean you, Deirdre.”

“I’m sure the valet did not mean to be inconsiderate.”

“Not him. Shermont.”

“But you said—”

“Never mind. What are you going to do about the uneven numbers? We don’t know any more presentable gentlemen who can fill in at this short notice.”

“I’ll gladly take a tray in my room,” Eleanor volunteered. She hadn’t completely adjusted to the change in time zones, and jet lag was catching up with her. “I’m still rather tired after my journey.”

“And have everyone speculate on the absence of two guests?” Aunt Patience appeared horrified. “Especially after his marked attentions to you? Absolutely not.”

“Everything will be fine,” Deirdre said, remaining calm in the face of terrible disaster—uneven numbers at the table. “We will not be judged by London standards out here in the country. This is a simple family dinner with a few close friends in attendance.”

Aunt Patience sniffed. “Well, I intend to give Lord Shermont a piece of my mind if he joins the party later in the evening as that odious little man intimated he would.”

“Lord Shermont is our guest,” Deirdre said, issuing an unspoken restraining order that did not sit well with her aunt. She held the door open. “And it’s time to dress for dinner.”

Aunt Patience huffed her way out.

“You don’t seem to have a … loving relationship with your aunt,” Eleanor commented.

Deirdre folded her arms and set her mouth into a straight line. “Aunt Patience refuses to admit I’m grown up and perfectly capable of running this household.”

“She’s not really our aunt,” Mina explained. “Patience simply arrived with Teddy, her sister’s bastard …”

“Mina!”

“Well, it’s the truth. We eventually pieced together the story. Father met Teddy’s mother, Victorine, at Versailles while on his Grand Tour. She was beautiful and angelic. He was already engaged.”

“The proverbial star-crossed lovers.”

“Before he could make arrangements to break his commitment and marry Victorine, he was recalled to England because Grandfather was dying. Father sent word to her, but none of his letters were answered. Then, during the French Revolution, he lost hope and did as his father had wished. He married the girl he’d been engaged to—our mother.”

“I’m sure he must have cared for her, too,” Eleanor said.

“They were not an … emotional couple,” Deirdre said in a matter-of-fact voice. “But they were well-suited nonetheless. An arranged marriage.”

Eleanor told herself such was the custom of the day, but it seemed so calculated and cold.

“Father did finally hear from Victorine,” Mina said. “She’d had a child and feared for his life. He sent money for her to bring his son to safety in England. Even though he couldn’t marry her, he intended to acknowledge little four-year-old Teddy.

“Victorine died on the journey,” Deirdre said. “Her sister Patience brought Teddy the rest of the way here. Mother refused to receive either one, and it created an irreparable rift between our parents. She died several months later. I was three years old, and Mina was still an infant.”

“I wouldn’t know anything of Mother if it weren’t for the stories the older servants told us. She was sweet and kind and loved us very much.” Mina sniffled. “Father named Teddy his heir, and he was the proverbial apple of his eye.”

“We might as well have been invisible,” Deirdre added, sounding more candid than bitter.

“But your father took care of you in his will. The jewels. Your dowries. That must mean he loved you.”

“He probably did, in his own way. But as far as the inheritance went, he didn’t have a choice,” Deirdre said. “As heir, Teddy received the entailed property, but the bulk of the estate came from Mother’s family and was already designated for her offspring in the marriage contracts.”

“Much of the artwork, silver, household goods, and the money in the funds belonged to our mother, and she left detailed documents specifying how everything is to be divided between us. She didn’t want us to squabble over who got what and become estranged as had happened in her family.”

So Teddy got the title, the land, and the manor house, but the girls got the bulk of the money and almost all the stuff. “You should take a clue from your mother and be involved with your finances.”

Mina shook her head. “He may be in truth only a half-brother, but he has always taken good care of us. Why, after Father died, Teddy could have set us out of our very home if he’d wanted. Where would we have gone?”

“We trust Teddy,” Deirdre said. “On the other hand, we are a bit wary of Aunt Patience.”

“She takes things,” Mina said. “Like a magpie. Shiny baubles find their way into her room. We saw Mother’s dresser set in there, but she denied taking it. After that she started locking her door.”

“She has always placed Teddy’s interest over ours,” Deirdre said. “And he treats her like the mother he never knew. We have learned to be careful around her.”

Eleanor already knew Aunt Patience hadn’t done a good job chaperoning the girls, or one wouldn’t have gotten into trouble and precipitated a duel. Now that she knew she couldn’t depend on any backup, her job got more difficult.

Fortunately, she wouldn’t have to deal with Shermont at dinner. She refused to name her disappointment as anything other than relief.